A Tennessee judge has set a $1.25 million bond for Dalton Eatherly, a controversial livestreamer known online as ChudTheBuilder, following a shooting incident outside a local courthouse. Eatherly, 28, is now facing a series of severe felony charges that could result in decades behind bars if he is convicted.
The charges stem from an incident on May 13 outside the Montgomery County Courthouse in Clarksville, Tennessee. According to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, a confrontation involving Eatherly and another man escalated into gunfire, leaving both individuals injured. Both were transported to area hospitals and listed in stable condition.
The legal stakes for Eatherly are exceptionally high. Given the nature of the charges and Tennessee’s strict sentencing guidelines for violent crimes, the amount of prison time ChudTheBuilder facing could range from a minimum of 21 years to a theoretical maximum of 56 years, depending on how a judge orders the sentences to be served.
During his arraignment on May 15, the court established a bond of $1,250,000. To secure his release pending trial, Eatherly must either post the full amount in cash or property, or pay a non-refundable 10% fee—approximately $125,000—through a licensed bondsman.
Breaking Down the Legal Charges
Prosecutors have leveled four distinct charges against Eatherly, each carrying significant weight under Tennessee law. The most severe is attempted criminal homicide, classified as a Class A felony. In Tennessee, a standard Range I offender convicted of a Class A felony typically faces a prison term of 15 to 25 years.
Beyond the homicide charge, Eatherly is charged with aggravated assault and reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon. However, the most rigid aspect of his potential sentencing comes from the charge of employing a firearm during a dangerous felony.
Under Tennessee Code § 39-17-1324, the use of a firearm during the commission or attempted commission of a dangerous felony is treated as a separate, standalone offense. This specific charge carries a mandatory sentence of six to 10 years. Crucially, Tennessee law requires that this sentence be served consecutively, meaning it is added to the end of the primary felony sentence rather than running simultaneously.
ChudTheBuilder’s bond has been set at $1.25 million, and has been charged with:– Attempted criminal homicide– Aggravated assault– Reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon– Employing a firearm during a dangerous felony pic.twitter.com/ewfEzvnEJ
— Dexerto (@Dexerto) May 15, 2026
The Math of Potential Sentencing
The potential for a lengthy prison stay is compounded by Tennessee’s “100% service” rules. For certain violent offenses committed after July 1, 2022—including attempted first-degree murder—convicted individuals may be required to serve their entire sentence without the possibility of early release or standard parole eligibility.
Because both the attempted homicide and the firearm enhancement fall under these strict guidelines, Eatherly faces a scenario where almost every year sentenced must be served in full.
| Charge/Enhancement | Potential Sentence Range | Sentencing Type |
|---|---|---|
| Attempted Criminal Homicide | 15 – 25 Years | Primary Felony (Class A) |
| Employing a Firearm | 6 – 10 Years | Mandatory Consecutive |
| Aggravated Assault/Reckless Endangerment | Variable | Concurrent or Consecutive |
| Combined Minimum Exposure | 21 Years | Based on Primary + Firearm |
| Combined Maximum Exposure | 56 Years | If all run consecutively |
In addition to incarceration, a conviction could lead to significant financial penalties. Initial calculations suggest fines could reach $78,000, excluding court costs or potential restitution payments to victims.
A Pattern of Confrontational Content
The shooting incident is the latest escalation in a pattern of behavior that has made Eatherly a polarizing figure online. Operating under the moniker ChudTheBuilder, Eatherly has gained notoriety for filming “confrontational” public videos. These videos often feature him using racial slurs against Black people and attempting to provoke aggressive reactions from strangers for the purpose of livestreaming the encounters.
This incident occurred while Eatherly was already under legal scrutiny. He was reportedly out on a $5,000 bond related to a separate case in Nashville. In that instance, police stated Eatherly was arrested after he allegedly refused to stop livestreaming inside a restaurant and refused to pay a bill totaling nearly $400.
The juxtaposition of his online persona—built on provoking conflict—and the violent outcome of the courthouse confrontation is a central element of the ongoing investigation by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.
Next Steps in the Legal Process
As the Montgomery County shooting remains under active investigation, the legal process will now move toward the discovery phase, where evidence—including potential livestream footage and witness testimony—will be reviewed by both the prosecution and the defense.
Eatherly has not yet been convicted of the charges, and the final determination of his guilt or innocence, as well as any resulting sentence, remains with the court. His legal team will likely challenge the $1.25 million bond in subsequent hearings, arguing for a lower amount or alternative conditions of release.
The next confirmed checkpoint in this case will be the preliminary hearings to determine if there is sufficient probable cause to proceed to trial. Updates on the case are typically provided through the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office official communications.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Sentencing outcomes are determined by a judge based on the specific facts of a case and applicable state laws.
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